The American Shorthair cat is a smart, curious breed that will get into things it shouldn’t. It’s important to keep them on routine health care and preventative vaccinations to avoid potential future health concerns like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
These cats enjoy active playtime chasing toys that capture their pest-control ancestry, such as plush mice or feather toys. Interactive play helps with exercise, which is necessary for this breed to stay in good shape.
Introduction
The American Shorthair cat is a good choice for families with young children or other pets, since they are low maintenance. This kitty has an amiable temperament and a life expectancy of 15 years or more. In terms of care, this breed only needs a quick combing a couple times a week to remove dead hair and redistribute skin oils. This breed does shed a bit, but they are not as prolific as some longhaired cat breeds, which may help reduce the risk of allergies.
This pedigreed breed is descended from cats that came to America on European shipping vessels. They were prized for their ability to keep the ship’s rodent population under control, and they eventually developed the physical traits that distinguish them as a distinct breed today. These include a dense coat, sturdy build, compact athletic bodies and endearing personalities.
As one of the most popular domestic pedigreed breeds, you can find an American Shorthair in many pet stores and even in shelters. In fact, it’s a good idea to check local shelters before visiting a breeder, as you can get this sweet feline for less and support a good cause at the same time. Moreover, shelters usually vet their adopted kittens and cats before allowing them to go home, so you know they have been well taken care of.
Characteristics and Temperament
American Shorthairs have amiable, sweet personalities and are adaptable felines that do well in most homes. They can be playful and curious but are not demanding. Their innate intelligence, moderate activity level and willingness to learn tricks make them ideal companions for families with children. They also get along well with cat-friendly dogs and other household pets. These sociable cats have strong hunting instincts and can be very effective at eliminating rodents in the house, but they are not prone to the territorial issues that some other breeds have.
American shorthairs are smart, adaptable and trainable. They can play fetch, learn to use a litter box and even do simple tricks like jumping through hoops. They are naturally observant and curious, often scouring their environments for potential hiding spots based on the natural instincts of their wild ancestors. They do best in homes that allow them to climb and observe their surroundings from elevated vantage points.
The American Shorthair is a long-lived and healthy cat that has few genetic diseases. However, like all felines, they are prone to obesity, so it is important to monitor their food intake and measure their meals. It is also a good idea to keep them indoors most of the time because free-roaming cats are more likely to contract disease and pick up viruses and bacteria than those that are kept inside.
Adopting
American Shorthairs are adaptable cats that do well in a wide variety of households. They’re typically patient with children and other pets, especially if they’re raised together from kittenhood. They’re also a strong breed, with muscular bodies befitting their heritage as ratters, and they’re usually good hunters. They’re generally willing to give up their chase of birds and other small animals for a cuddle or game of fetch, though you may need to invest in a tall scratching post to help curb their natural instinct to sharpen their claws on furniture.
Since they have a history as ratters, American Shorthairs are intelligent and can be trained to play interactive games like feline fetch. They enjoy climbing on a cat tree or sunning on a padded shelf by a window, but they’re also content with spending time curled up on a bed or lap. They don’t need lots of attention, but they do enjoy the company of their humans and other family pets.
If you’re thinking about adopting an American Shorthair, be sure to find a responsible breeder or animal shelter. Then, take the time to introduce them slowly and carefully to your family members, children, and other pets (if you have any) to avoid any potential issues. You should also consider pet insurance to help you cover unexpected health-related expenses.
Variations and Colors
Known as happy mediums, American Shorthairs can make an excellent choice for new cat owners. These cats are easy to care for and a good match for any family, including those with younger children. They aren’t demanding or needy, and they get along well with dogs and other household pets.
This breed can be found in a range of colors, patterns, and eye shapes. The most common is the silver classic tabby, but there are also solid whites, blues, blacks, and reds. In addition, there are a number of bicolor and calico and tortoiseshell American Shorthairs.
All variations of this cat breed share some characteristics, such as strong, well-balanced bodies and robust health. These cats are less prone to certain diseases than other cat breeds, but they should still be checked regularly by their veterinarian. In particular, American Shorthairs should be screened for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), an inherited heart condition.
In the US, you can find this pedigree cat in a variety of catteries and adoption organizations. If you are looking to adopt, be sure to visit a reputable breeding facility. You can also ask your vet to recommend a breeder. The breeder should be able to provide you with vaccination records and other important information about the cat. You should also inquire about the cat’s parents, particularly whether they have HCM.
